Independent Lens Season 10 Episode 2 Dinner With the President: A Nation's Journey

Dinner With the President: A Nation's Journey is the second episode of the tenth season of the Emmy Award-winning documentary series Independent Lens. The episode chronicles the story of a group of diverse Americans who are invited to the White House to share a meal with President Obama during the month of Ramadan.

The documentary explores the cultural and religious diversity of the guests, who come from all walks of life and represent a range of faiths, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism. The guests include a newlywed couple, a Muslim fashion designer, a female boxing champion, an African-American community activist, a Syrian refugee, and a Sikh-American father and son who lost a family member in a hate crime.

As the guests arrive at the White House, they share their personal stories and discuss their hopes and fears for the future. They also reflect on the role of faith and diversity in shaping American identity. The documentary provides a unique perspective on the challenges of building a more inclusive and peaceful society at a time of political polarization and social unrest.

Throughout the meal, President Obama engages in a thoughtful and candid conversation with his guests, sharing his own experiences of growing up in diverse communities and his vision for an America that embraces pluralism and tolerance. The guests respond with their own insights and perspectives, challenging the President to think deeply about the issues that face the country and the world.

The documentary also features interviews with leading scholars and activists who provide context and analysis of the issues raised by the dinner. They discuss the history of religious diversity in America, the role of food and hospitality in building bridges across boundaries, and the challenges of addressing prejudice and discrimination in a rapidly changing society.

Dinner With the President: A Nation's Journey is a timely and inspiring documentary that highlights the power of diversity and dialogue in promoting understanding and peace. The episode is a testament to the resilience and courage of ordinary Americans who are committed to building a better future for themselves and their communities.